Assessing stakeholders' responses to Farmer-Herder Land Conflict:

a case study of the Oke-Ogun region, Nigeria.

Abstract

Currently, in Sub-Saharan Africa, there has been a rise in various forms of violent conflicts. This study focuses on Farmer-Herder Land Conflict (FHLC) in the Oke-Ogun Region (OOR), Nigeria, assessing stakeholders’ responses to FHLCs.

Using both primary and secondary data, the study employed correlation analysis. Findings revealed that the stakeholders- commonly used peaceful settlement methods during the FHLCs in OOR. It further revealed that 43.4% and 37.7% of representatives reported using avoidance method, 8.0% reported the use of arbitration, while 7.8% stated that stakeholders resorted to open confrontation. Mediation was the least used method of conflict settlement in the Oke-Ogun region, as indicated by 2.3%.

Findings regarding compensation during the conflicts showed that the representatives in the Oke-Ogun region were very dissatisfied, and 28.4% were dissatisfied. Only 8.2% of representatives reported being partially satisfied, and 2.3% stated that they were very satisfied. The study has demonstrated that farmer-herder land conflicts in OOR embraced peaceful settlement. The stakeholders’ response is crucial for the effective resolution of land conflicts between farmers and herders. Thus, the creation of a grazing reserve was suggested by 40.1% of the representatives, and 36.2% suggested that there should be improved methods of farming in order to stop farmer-herder land conflicts. Stakeholders should improve their responses to land conflict resolution and ensure adequate compensation is provided for affected parties to prevent further escalation of land conflicts and promote harmony between the parties involved.